You Had Me at Good-bye: A Novel

Tracey Bateman
FaithWords (2008)
ISBN 9780446698948                                            
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (4/08)


“You Had Me at Good-bye” is the second book in the “Drama Queens” series by Tracey Bateman.  This volume focuses mainly on Dancy Ames, but her family and two close friends, Laini and Tabby, play prominent roles as well.  Dancy is facing several changes in her life including, but not limited to, being fired from her job and learning of a family member she did not know existed.  She is having problems finding the right man, which is compounded by the fact that both her brother and her good friend will be celebrating marriages soon.  Only after Dancy loses the things that she considers important to her does she realize what it is that she wants the most.

This book contains religious elements but the author adeptly avoids being preachy and trying to overdo the spiritual aspects.  Her message of the importance of trusting in God to find the right path for one’s life is a central theme.  It was fun to see the personal growth that many of the characters underwent as their lives progressed.  I also enjoyed reading about the thought processes they used when faced with making important decisions about their futures.

Dancy’s transformation from a spineless and indecisive woman into one who is strong and goes after what she wants is well portrayed.  The author uses excerpts from a book that Dancy is writing to begin each chapter.  These excerpts give the reader insight into how Dancy pictures her life should be versus how complicated it presently is.  It is when Dancy learns to accept what she cannot change that her true growth begins.

Women of all ages will enjoy this book.  It is a cute story that centers on looking for love, but also stresses the importance of letting God guide you through your life decisions.  The interactions between Dancy, Laini, and Tabby are very realistic and will remind many readers of the times they have spent with their close friends. There are some questions listed at the end of “You Had Me at Good-bye” to assist reading groups in their discussions.  I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

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